Senior Instructional Leadership (SIL)
A Component of Academic Seminar
Program Description
The Senior Instructional Leadership (SIL) program is designed to expand
leadership opportunities to qualified seniors as they participate in a variety of
activities associated with classroom instruction. Students in SIL partner with a
mentor teacher in order to assist in the delivery of the curriculum.
Participants work in a classroom with a mentoring teacher 5 periods a week,
assist in whatever curricular activities the teacher considers appropriate and keep
a weekly journal of their experiences. Regular seminar meetings with the TAG
coordinator and mentor teachers utilize discussion, readings about teaching and
education, and a final self-assessment of the SIL experience to complement
students’ in-class work.
Several seminar meetings will be held throughout the semester. Mentor
teachers, SIL students, and the TAG coordinator will collaboratively determine
the nature of the work and how the students’ learning will be assessed both in
seminar and in the classroom. Students will receive .5 credit per semester for
their service.
Program Rationale
SIL offers students a unique opportunity to learn and demonstrate leadership in
an instructional setting. Many students demonstrate leadership through
extracurricular activities, but those who enroll in SIL receive focused training and
assessment-oriented feedback about their leadership skills. In addition, the
course deepens students’ understanding of the teaching profession by providing
access to close mentoring relationships with faculty, direct classroom contact
with students, and the seminar curriculum facilitated by the TAG coordinator.
Most importantly, SIL recognizes seniors as an invaluable resource who are ready
to serve the school. Beyond enhancing the delivery of the curriculum and
fostering meaningful relationships for seniors in their final year, the SIL program
has the potential to positively impact the climate of the school as seniors truly
become classroom role models.
Goals & Expectations for SIL Participants
The Senior Instructional Leadership (SIL) program is intended to offer qualified
seniors the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities associated with
classroom instruction. Some of the key goals for the students in this program
include the following:
 To assist the mentoring teacher in delivering the course curriculum in
whatever ways the teacher considers appropriate
 To learn about a variety of teaching methodologies and practices
 To develop classroom leadership skills
 To develop an awareness of the learning process and a variety of
student learning styles
 To work closely with students in various instructional settings
In an effort to realize these and other goals of the SIL program, students will be
expected to fulfill the following requirements:
 To work in a classroom with a mentoring teacher 5 periods a week
 To confer with the mentoring teacher on a weekly basis to plan and
discuss class activities
 To attend several seminars with the SIL participants and the TAG
coordinator during the course of the semester
 To keep a weekly journal to record classroom activities and personal
reflections about teaching
 To read a number of articles about effective teaching practices and at
least one book in the field of education
 To have an individual conference with the TAG coordinator
 To write a final self-assessment of the SIL experience
Name:___________________
(Please Print Legibly)
SIL CODE OF ETHICS
I understand that my leadership role in the classroom
requires that I adhere to the following principles of conduct.
I recognize that all information and events pertaining to
my work in the classroom are strictly confidential.
I will make every effort to make each student with
whom I work feel valued and capable.
I will show no favoritism toward particular students.
I will refrain from making critical or judgmental
comments about the students with whom I working.
I will be respectful to my mentor teacher and do
nothing to undermine his or her classroom authority.
I will continually strive to find ways to contribute to the
educational effectiveness of the classroom.
I will assume at all times my most professional
demeanor.
Participants Signature:______________________
SIL Program Description
SIL Application Process and Expectations for Students
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To qualify for the SIL program, a student must have a teacher willing
to work with them, a strong understanding of the subject matter, and
one free period in their schedule.
SIL students are required to attend seminars and complete writing
assignments to pass the course. Students receive .5 credit as an
elective.
Every SIL role is unique and depends on the mentor teacher
expectations, SIL student abilities, and the needs of the students in
the course. SIL responsibilities range from taking attendance to coteaching lectures.
SIL is designed for students who are mature enough to take on the
role of a teacher in the classroom and mentor their fellow students in a
favorite subject. They are expected to be exemplary students both in
the classroom in which the SIL and outside the classroom in regard to
behavior as well as maintaining a good academic standing. If a
student misbehaves or breaks the trust of a SIL mentor they can be
removed from the program. “SILing” is an honor and a privilege.
SILC applications will not be released until the master schedule is
complete and teachers are aware of the courses they will be teaching
the following year. SIL is added into the student’s schedule only after
admission to the program is confirmed.
SILC Mentor Role
SIL mentors work with a student to introduce them to the art and science of
teaching. SIL students perform a range of classroom tasks – from taking
attendance to leading discussions. The mentor teacher decides the appropriate
level of involvement: each SIL experience is different and it depends on the
makeup of the class and the personality of the SIL student.
 SIL mentors are asked to sit down with their SIL students once a week
for at least twenty minutes. These meetings are essential for keeping
SIL students included in the teaching experience and giving both SIL
students and mentor a chance to talk about a range of classroom
issues. This also gives the SIL students a chance to brush up on old
material before it is covered in class.
 I will have an orientation at the beginning of every year for SIL mentor
teachers and will be available for help if concerns arise. If a SIL
student ever breaks your trust or your classroom rules, steps will be
taken to rectify the situation and remove the student if necessary.
Senior Instructional Leadership (SIL) Application
Completed SIL applications are due in the TAG office by ___________
I. Contact Information
Please download this form and type in the required information.
Name:
__________________________________________
E-mail address:
__________________________________________
II. Why SIL?
Please answer the following questions thoughtfully and in complete sentences.
1. Please list three reasons why you would like to be a SIL student:
2. What do you think you will contribute to CHS as a part of this experience?
What do you hope to gain personally?
3. What personal strengths will you bring to the classroom as a SIL student?
These strengths may be academic or interpersonal.
Please complete parts III, IV and V with your prospective SIL mentor
teacher.
III. SIL Teaching Request
1. Requested Course
______________________________________
2. Requested Teacher
______________________________________
3. Which periods will this course be offered next year? ____________________
4. Can you be in this classroom 5 days a week as a SIL student?_______
IV. SILC Student Responsibilities
1. What tasks and responsibilities will your SIL mentor assign to you during
the first weeks of school? Keep in mind that usually teachers have SIL
students ease into their roles.
2. What tasks and responsibilities will your SIL mentor assign to you as the
term continues? Please be specific.
Perspective Mentor Teacher’s Signature of Commitment
____________________________________
Signature
__________________
date
V.SIL Requirements
Please note that if you are registered for the SIL program you will be
required to do the following:
1. Accept the tasks and responsibilities assigned by the SIL mentor teacher.
2. Attend an orientation meeting and seminar meetings. You will also be
required to complete homework for each seminar meeting.
3. Attend your assigned SIL class as agreed upon with your mentor teacher
and contact your mentor teacher by 8am if you will be absent.
4. Make time in your schedule to meet with your SIL mentor at least twenty
minutes a week outside of class.
5. Serve as a model of good behavior to students in your class and follow all
rules and regulations set by your mentor teacher.
Failure to comply with any of these requirements may results in
removal from the SIL program. Any violations of the CHS Student
Handbook will also impact your role in the SIL program.
Please sign below to indicate that you read and understood the SIL
requirements:
____________________________________
Signature
__________________
Date
If you have any questions about this application or the SIL program, please
contact Mrs. Phelps